Nov 11, 2021
As it is written in Ecclesiastes,
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (3:1-2)
– and with the dawn of the new year comes a new season for the MSC Missions Office.
The Irish Provincial Leadership Team has announced that Fr Michael O’Connell MSC will be stepping down from the position of Director of the MSC Missions Office in the new year, with Fr John Fitzgerald MSC taking over the role in early 2022.
Fr Carl Tranter MSC
“I am writing today to share the news that, after 22 years as Director of the MSC Missions Office, Fr Michael O’Connell MSC will be standing down from this post in the new year,” writes Irish Provincial Superior Fr Carl Tranter MSC.
“I am glad to be able to tell you that Fr John Fitzgerald MSC will be stepping into the role of Director,” Fr Carl continues. “Having worked in close proximity with the Missions Office for many years now, I know that Fr John will bring with him many gifts and will be a wonderful addition to the team there.”
As we look ahead to the new year, Fr John is already working closely with Fr Michael and the team at the MSC Missions Office in order to make sure that this new chapter will herald a bright new era for our missionary work in the Irish Province and beyond.
Fr Michael O’Connell MSC
“Thank you for your prayers, for your friendship, for your kindness, for your generosity, and for your continued support of our missionaries as they carry out their great work across the world,” writes Fr Michael, in a message to our mission friends. “Your support has been a real gift to me, and as we navigate our new paths, I know that your kindness and generosity of spirit will extend to Fr John in my stead. As I prepare to take my leave, rest assured that you will remain in my heart and my prayers as Fr John and I work together to make sure that this new season will be a peaceful, prayerful, and positive one for all.”
Fr John Fitzgerald MSC
Fr John echoes these sentiments as he says, “At the moment, Fr Michael is journeying with me, and thanks to his dedication, he leaves a rich legacy; our missionary work continues, however, and I have every confidence in your support for the future. You are a marvellous community of mission friends and your generosity is a true reflection of the love of the Heart of Christ. I too, like Fr Michael, pray that this new season will be peaceful, prayerful, and positive for all.”
With heartfelt thanks to Fr Michael for his tremendous contribution over the past two decades,
we also extend a warm welcome to Fr John as he takes up his new role.
United in faith, we will continue to work together to shine the light of God’s love
where it is needed most.
Please click to read the full letters from Fr Carl, Fr Michael, and Fr John.
Jan 18, 2021
Feliz Navidad!
A heart warming token of gratitude from the Community of Ecuador that received funding from your donations that helped form a community building a church and centre in their parish.
Below is a Letter of Appreciation from P. Moacir Msc to our Provincial Superior Fr. Carl Tranter MSC.
“Thank you for having been our angel during this time of pandemic helping Pastoral Social and the Community of Ecuador of the Future.
The youth of Ecuador del Futuro prepared a beautiful novena for the community. Even by zoom and twice in person, it has been a special moment.
Attached is the video they prepared to wish you and your mission team a Merry Christmas.
P. Moacir, MSC.”
SUPPORT MISSION PROJECTS
Dec 4, 2018
Great plans are in place for the community of Our Lady of Victory in Tsakane, South Africa.
Under the leadership of parish priest Fr Martin Morrissey MSC, the purchase of a new building for the community is in its final stages. This will then be developed into a church for the community, which currently numbers 60 and is growing steadily.
At the moment, parishioners gather together to pray in a small family garage. Space and facilities are very limited, but this doesn’t dampen their spirits! Irish Provincial Superior Fr Carl Tranter MSC was given a warm local welcome on his recent visit, and Fr Martin shared his enthusiasm for the new developments in the ongoing project.
“The people have been coming to pray here in a family garage,” says Fr Martin. “This new church won’t be the perfect thing, but it will be something of their own, and that will make all the difference.”
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are hard at work in Tsakane, a township near Johannesburg that was established in the 1960s. As is the case in many areas of South Africa, the population of Tsakane struggle with social and economic issues, with poverty being one of the main challenges faced in the region. “There’s a lot of poverty around,” says Fr Martin, “and we do our best to help wherever we can.” A feeding scheme at St Paul’s brings much-needed nourishment to local families, and our MSCs work alongside the Dominican Sisters in the area to bring practical aid and spiritual guidance to vulnerable families who have nowhere else to turn.
The new church will be a welcome boost to the community of Our Lady of Victory, and we look forward to following Fr Martin and his parishioners on their journey as they bring their plans to fruition.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Read more from Tsakane:
New beginnings at St Francis Xavier, Tsakane
Greetings from Tsakane, South Africa!
Nov 15, 2018
A project that began two years ago is now nearing its final stages of completion at the church of St Francis Xavier in Tsakane, South Africa. Parish priest Fr Martin Morrissey MSC is leading the project, which sees a new church put in place for the growing congregation.
A township located just outside Johannesburg, the name “Tsakane” actually translates as “happiness” or “joy”. As is the case in many parts of South Africa, however, Tsakane struggles with significant social and economic issues, and our MSCs are on hand to provide practical aid and spiritual guidance to the local communities.
The congregation of St Francis Xavier are delighted with the development of the new church, having previously gathered to pray in a school classroom. Getting the site was a huge achievement, with the titles handed over just over a year ago, and new church is growing, step by step. An altar and sanctuary area have been set up, and the windows have been put in, while a new ceiling still has to be put in place.
Fr Martin and the community are working hard to bring their plans to fruition, although the budget is tight. Fr Martin was able to source benches from another church around 80km away, acquiring 28 church benches for 50,000 South African Rand (approximately €3,500). The same benches would have cost 300,000 Rand, or around €18,500, if they had to be bought new.
The community of St Francis Xavier now numbers over 100 people, and is growing steadily. In October, parishioners enjoyed a day of great celebration when a total of 27 adults celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.
On a recent visit to Tsakane, Irish Provincial Superior Fr Carl Tranter MSC visited with Fr Martin, and was welcomed with open arms by the parishioners of St Francis Xavier. Fr Martin and the community extended their sincere thanks to all of our mission friends in the Irish Province for their ongoing support, and we send our very best wishes to them as they approach the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the church of St Francis Xavier!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
